BY LEE SHAW WEI, NATASHA JEE & MA CHEE SENG
SARAWAK needs to look beyond its cities and towns to expand its economic activities in order to progress.
This is the message from Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), who said rural connectivity is important for the state, as it paves the way for new growth opportunities and improves the socio-economic wellbeing of the people through better healthcare, education, agriculture and various activities.
“In respect of this, a follow-up lab was conducted early this year and a database on rural connectivity was established.
“Based on the findings of the lab, a total of 5,833 (94 percent) out of 6,214 registered settlements in rural areas are connected by road.
“In order to achieve 100 percent connectivity, we need to construct a total length of about 1,200km of new roads to connect the remaining 381 settlements,” he said.
After reviewing the cost of road construction, Uggah revealed that his ministry and JKR (Public Works Department) will look into new approaches to reduce the construction cost, through Front-End Engineering (FEE) funding, leveraging on low volume rural road design and using locally available materials.
“My ministry and JKR Sarawak will continue to improve basic infrastructure for the rural population.
“No one shall be marginalised and everyone deserves to enjoy Sarawak’s economic prosperity, sustainable environment and social inclusivity,” he added.
